CIRES/ Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation, Visualization Developer

CIRES/ Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation, Visualization Developer

Requisition Number: 71265

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Employment Type: Research Faculty

Schedule: Full Time

Posting Close Date: 25-Apr-2026

Job Summary

The Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation (CEEE) at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU Boulder) seeks a visualization developer to join the NOAA Science On a Sphere (SOS) program. The SOS program develops data visualization technologies, from mobile apps to large exhibits, that present real-time Earth and space data. The SOS data catalog, with over 600 visualizations, is central to all developed technologies and is widely used. The program aims to stay current with technological trends, ensuring NOAA's data catalog is presented in an engaging, educational, accessible, scientifically sound, and culturally relevant manner. Intended users include museums, educators, students, the general public, and scientific professionals.

This role requires a dedicated visualization developer to transform complex scientific datasets (e.g., satellite observations, numerical model outputs, geospatial data) into compelling visual narratives for spherical and flat-screen display systems. This includes working with datasets such as global temperature anomalies, hurricane tracks, ocean currents, wildfire activity, auroras, and solar imagery.

The SOS program prioritizes scientific accuracy, accessibility, and storytelling to make NOAA data engaging and understandable for diverse audiences. This role demands both technical expertise and creative vision.

The SOS team comprises software engineers, scientists, and educators. The successful candidate will collaborate across disciplines while independently managing visualization projects from concept to deployment.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

CIRES is a leading environmental science research institute at the University of Colorado Boulder, with over 900 professionals studying the dynamic Earth system and human interactions with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, focusing on areas like weather and climate, polar changes, air quality, water resources, and solid Earth sciences. Our vision is to advance understanding of the Earth system for a sustainable future.

The CIRES Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation (CEEE) connects educators, learners, and communities with environmental and Earth system science. We provide accessible science curriculum, informal learning experiences, community building, career development, and program evaluation support. We aim to make science data accessible, inspire environmental action, and foster scientific engagement for a sustainable future, supporting early-career scientists and broadening research impact through outreach and educational materials.

The NOAA Office of Education SOS team consists of software engineers, educators, and scientists creating innovative data visualization and educational tools to help people understand our interconnected world and inspire change. The SOS program features three technologies:

1. SOS: A room-sized global display system projecting planetary data visualizations onto a sphere, illustrating Earth System science for all ages. Installed in over 200 venues globally, it reaches an estimated 60 million people annually.
2. SOS Explorer: A flat-screen version of SOS for Windows computers, widely used in schools.
3. SOS Explorer Mobile: A mobile app with over 50,000 downloads and thousands of unique monthly users.

All these technologies rely on the extensive Earth and space science data visualization catalog at the program's core. Visit sos.noaa.gov for more information.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Updating and expanding scientific visualizations for the SOS data catalog (60%)

• Create new visualizations from Earth and space science datasets (e.g., satellite imagery, model outputs, geospatial data).
• Update and modernize existing datasets in the SOS data catalog.
• Identify catalog gaps and source data for new datasets.
• Apply visualization and design principles (color theory, projection techniques, animation, storytelling) to produce high-quality, engaging visual content.
• Collaborate with scientists and partners to provide training and dataset creation support.

Publishing visualizations (25%)

• Format and ingest datasets into internal pipelines and the website catalog.
• Manage metadata, descriptions, and catalog entries, ensuring datasets are accessible, discoverable, and reusable.
• Determine optimal image and video rendering options for display on our platforms.

Testing and documenting (10%)

• Perform thorough quality assurance for accuracy, performance, and visual clarity.
• Create and maintain documentation, standards, and templates for dataset details (descriptions, color bars, metadata).
• Contribute to outreach materials (images, videos, presentations).

Perform other relevant duties as necessary (Not to exceed 5%)

What You Should Know

• Candidates must be able to start work by July 1, 2026, due to project deliverables.
• This position involves limited travel for workshops, conferences, and training.

What We Can Offer

• CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
• Hybrid work modality is available, with the requirement to be physically present in the office. This position is not approved for fully remote work.
• The annual hiring salary range is $55,062 to $83,030.
• Relocation funds are available according to CIRES and University of Colorado Boulder policies.
• The University of Colorado Boulder provides a robust training curriculum, professional development opportunities, and a Mentorship Program.
• Boulder offers a vibrant community with access to parks, trails, rivers, lakes, dining, shopping, theaters, museums, and sports venues.
• As a CU Boulder employee, you receive free access to the regional public transit system (RTD), serving Boulder, Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

Benefits

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to employee well-being, offering a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for employees and dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As a major employer in Boulder County, CU Boulder provides an inspiring academic community and access to outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be daring. Be professional. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in visualization development, data visualization, or a related field (post-degree).
• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

What You Will Need

• Expertise in Python for processing and visualizing scientific or geospatial datasets.
• Expertise working with Earth science and geospatial datasets (e.g., NetCDF, HDF5, GIS), including satellite and numerical model outputs from NOAA and NASA.
• Expertise generating and refining visualizations and animations using tools like FFmpeg, Blender, Adobe After Effects, or Adobe Premiere Pro.
• Strong knowledge of data visualization principles (color theory, projection, visual storytelling).
• Ability to create high-quality visual media outputs (image sequences, videos).
• Excellent problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and high attention to detail.
• Capability to drive high-quality work independently while collaborating effectively with diverse teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks.
• Strong communication skills to translate scientific data into accessible visual formats.
• A strong passion for advancing CIRES' mission of improving Earth system understanding through education and engagement.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee, briefly describing qualifications, professional goals, and interest in the position.
3. Letters of recommendation will be requested from finalists at a later time.

The position closes on April 25, 2026.

Application materials will not be accepted via email. Apply through CU Boulder Jobs (https://jobs.colorado.edu/).

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, you may redact age-identifying information from submitted materials.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/CIRES-Center-for-Education-Engagement-and-Evaluation-Visualization-Developer/71265

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The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.